Ralph Ernest Krafve

1930 - 2017

Ralph was born February 17, 1930, in Minneapolis, MN to Joseph Arthur and Edith Virginia Krafve and passed away on January 16, 2017.
The family moved to Portland, OR when Ralph was 13 years old. Ralph excelled in athletics throughout his life, lettering in three sports in high school. He played baseball at Oregon State University, graduating in 1953. Following graduation, Ralph served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.
On December 26, 1953, Ralph married Dolly Fast in Portland. After his service in the Army, Ralph returned to Oregon State and earned his Masters Degree in Education. He began his high school teaching career in Rockaway, OR. Two years later, the family relocated to Ridgecrest CA, where Ralph taught at Burroughs High School for two years.
They then settled down in Bakersfield, in 1960. Upon moving to Bakersfield, Ralph taught history and became the head basketball coach at East Bakersfield High School. They had two children, Jeff and Jan.
Ralph found success as East High's coach, boasting a career record of 262 wins and 56 losses. He also led the team to four Valley Championships and nine League Championships. Between 1966 and 1968, East High featured a winning percentage of 82.4%, the highest winning percentage in Kern County during that period. Ralph also coached his team to a 46-game win streak.
In 1973, Ralph became the head basketball coach at Bakersfield College, while also teaching Physical Education. In 1978, Ralph's team claimed the State
Championship title. Ralph finished his career as the most wins in coach in the history of Bakersfield College. He was inducted into the Bob Elias Hall of Fame and the Portland Interscholastic League Sports Hall of Fame.
Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and served the Lord as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher in his church. He retired from teaching in January 1993. In retirement, Ralph and Dolly traveled on tours, cruises, and drove around the country. Ralph enjoyed playing tennis regularly, coached part time for Bakersfield Christian Academy, and enjoyed family and social engagements with friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Jerry. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dolly; son, Jeff Krafve, and his wife, Marti; daughter Jan Krafve; granddaughter, Kristianne Jaegers, and her husband, Kevin; grandson, Jon Krafve, and his wife, Lana; granddaughter, Chelsea Krafve; great-grandsons, Kaleb Matthews Jaegers, Kameron James Jaegers, and Ben (Mr. P) Krafve; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Hoffmann Hospice.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at the Basham Funeral Care Chapel (3312 Niles St.) For additional information, please contact Basham Funeral Care at 873-8200.
Basham Funeral Care